It is with profound sadness that the founders and members of the Capitol Regional Innovation Cluster Consortium, Inc. (CRICC), mourn the passing of our esteemed co-founder, colleague, and friend, Anthony “Tony” W. Robinson, Sr., Esq.
Tony was a brilliant legal mind and a fearless advocate for civil rights and economic justice—especially in the advancement of minority-owned businesses. A gifted orator and strategist, he moved seamlessly from passionately instructing grassroots advocates to powerfully arguing cases before the courts, testifying in Congressional hearings, and advising state legislatures. He embodied the essence of servant leadership, always standing at the intersection of legal integrity, social equity, and community empowerment.
A proud graduate of Morgan State University and the University of Maryland School of Law, Tony began his legal journey as one of the founding partners of the pioneering Black law firm, Singleton, DeShields and Robinson. From the earliest days of his career, he was immersed in landmark civil rights litigation—burning the midnight oil with fellow attorneys to draft briefs for game-changing cases before the U.S. 4th Circuit Court in Richmond and throughout the East Coast.
In 1983, at the invitation of the legendary Congressman Parren J. Mitchell, Tony became the first full-time President of the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund (MBELDEF)—a position he held with distinction for four decades. Under his leadership, MBELDEF became a national legal watchdog, fighting to protect and expand opportunities for minority businesses in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. His influence helped to sustain and grow minority business enterprise programs at all levels during both prosperous and challenging times. Tony joined forces with the National Minority Supplier Development Council on several critical and historic efforts. His assistance resulted in President Clinton's famous "Mend It Not End It" speech at the National Archives, promising continued support for minority business development in America, as well as participating in orientation and proactive political outreach to elected officials, locally and nationally, to ensure cooperation and support by politicians.
Tony’s legacy also includes his foundational role in CRICC, where he served as Chairman and helped forge local and international partnerships focused on economic development in Africa and the African Diaspora. He was deeply committed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), playing a pivotal role as a co-plaintiff in the landmark State of Maryland HBCU lawsuit that resulted in a $577 million settlement to rectify longstanding funding inequities.
Even when not in the public eye, Tony’s work continued—coaching, mentoring, and preparing others to lead. He was a man of quiet strength, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to justice and equity. His efforts empowered individuals and transformed communities, always grounded in a belief that opportunity should be shared and justice pursued for all.
We honor Tony’s life not only by remembering his contributions but by standing on his shoulders to continue the work he began. He was a partner in justice, a champion for economic empowerment, and a friend to all who sought progress through purpose.
Rest in power, Tony. Your light and legacy will never be forgotten.
Download the Memorial PDF Honoring Anthony W. Robinson, Sr., Esq..